Business Details
22 Years
experience
Trusted Puppy Training & Socialization in San Francisco
At SF Puppy Prep, we have dedicated ourselves to providing comprehensive puppy education since 2004. Our programs combine structured training with socialization opportunities designed specifically for urban environments. Through positive reinforcement techniques and small-group instruction, we help puppies develop essential skills while fostering strong human-animal bonds. Our experienced trainers work with clients to address individual needs, whether through all-day prep school, outdoor education programs, or private sessions. We maintain rigorous safety standards with supervised playgroups matched by temperament and size, while incorporating structured rest periods for optimal learning.Our science-based approach emphasizes joyful experiences that build confidence and appropriate social behaviors. From basic obedience to advanced urban navigation skills, our curriculum prepares puppies for successful city living. We provide regular progress updates and personalized guidance to ensure continuity between training sessions and home life. Our facilities feature specialized spaces for small dogs and offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate various needs. With a proven track record of successful graduates, we remain committed to evolving our methods while maintaining our core philosophy of positive, relationship-focused training.
Services
Puppy Prep School
Group Classes
Private Training
Small Dog Daycare
Puppy Socials
Outdoor Education
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We've specialized in puppy education since 2004 with proven results
- Our science-based training methods use positive reinforcement exclusively
- Small playgroups ensure personalized attention and safety
- We offer specialized programs for small dogs under 20lbs
- Our outdoor education program trains dogs in real urban environments
What people say
Amazing trainers
Worked wonders
Wonderful experience
Important business
Best education
Services
Puppy Prep School
All-day training and socialization program for puppies aged 8-20 weeks. Combines structured learning with supervised play to develop essential skills. Includes basic cues, socialization, and manners in a safe environment with small playgroups matched by temperament.
Group Classes
Science-based training sessions for puppies and adolescent dogs. Covers fundamental obedience through advanced urban navigation skills. Uses positive reinforcement methods with experienced instructors focusing on human-canine communication and real-world application.
Small Dog Daycare
Specialized daycare for dogs under 20lbs with trainer-supervised playgroups. Focuses on appropriate socialization while addressing specific needs of small breeds. Includes behavior support and training cue practice in a low-staff ratio environment.
Outdoor Education
Real-world training program for adolescent dogs in various city environments. Develops leash manners, focus, and social skills through one-on-one sessions in different urban settings with progressive distraction levels.
Private Training
Personalized training for puppies needing individualized attention. Addresses specific behavioral challenges using science-backed methods in home environments. Tailored to unique circumstances with no fear-based techniques.
Questions
What age puppies do you accept?
We accept puppies aged 8-20 weeks for prep school, with socials for 9-18 weeks and outdoor education up to 10 months.
Are vaccinations required?
Yes, we require DAPP core vaccinations, Bordetella, and rabies for most programs to ensure all participants' safety.
Do you offer private training?
Yes, we offer in-home private training sessions at $165 per session for puppies needing individualized attention.
What's included in prep school?
Our prep school includes daily training, socialization, rest periods, and a 60-minute consultation with structured curriculum for puppies aged 8-20 weeks.
Do you have small dog programs?
Yes, our Itty Bitty Doggy City provides specialized daycare for dogs under 20lbs with trainer-supervised playgroups and behavior support.
How do outdoor classes work?
Our outdoor education program provides one-on-one training in real urban environments, focusing on leash manners, focus, and social skills development.
Reviews (4)
Sandy K.
May 20, 2022
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The first weekend we got our puppy we took him to an obedience/puppy play class through a different program. He was so shy he ran into the corner and was shaking & afraid. After that class I found out about SF puppy prep & was able to enroll him into the daycare program. He was still scared the first day, but as more time went by he really blossomed. The staff did such a great job working with him.
You could tell he liked being there because he would rush from the car to class/ always eager to get there. He became more social, less fearful and started to play with other puppies. When we went back to our original obedience class, he was more confident (no hiding in the corner) and he was interacting and playing with the other pups! So grateful to SF Puppy Prep for the great care and training they gave our puppy, Moochi!
You could tell he liked being there because he would rush from the car to class/ always eager to get there. He became more social, less fearful and started to play with other puppies. When we went back to our original obedience class, he was more confident (no hiding in the corner) and he was interacting and playing with the other pups! So grateful to SF Puppy Prep for the great care and training they gave our puppy, Moochi!
A. Y.
Mar 26, 2022
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SF Puppy Prep might just have saved my sanity and relationship! We're not new to dog ownership but this is my first puppy. I was really starting to get frustrated about her insatiable energy when it came to being alone or playing with my older dog. Working from home, and she was proving to be a major distraction; I could not turn away for 2 seconds in case my puppy started pawing at him! We are very grateful to SF Puppy Prep for introducing her to new pups and naptimes in a controlled, professional environment.
Her manners and recall improved a lot over the month, and she's no longer so overeager with new dogs. They also offer many opportunities to consult with the trainers and pros that run the program. I actually found that I wasn't even able to leverage these fully due to my own availability, nor did I need every single one because she was improving quickly. Shout out and thank you to the warm and professional staff who were able to get us enrolled so promptly.
Her manners and recall improved a lot over the month, and she's no longer so overeager with new dogs. They also offer many opportunities to consult with the trainers and pros that run the program. I actually found that I wasn't even able to leverage these fully due to my own availability, nor did I need every single one because she was improving quickly. Shout out and thank you to the warm and professional staff who were able to get us enrolled so promptly.
Dennis Rivera
Mar 13, 2022
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I have been bringing my chihuahua mix, Annie, to Wag for over a year and she loves it. Annie is extremely shy around people normally but when she gets to Wag she is so excited to see everyone and really opens up. I use Wag for daycare, boarding and the spa and would recommend to anyone.
Catherine H.
Feb 15, 2022
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I can't say enough good things about SF puppy prep! The staff is beyond caring and accommodating--they were so flexible when our pup got sick during and had to miss several weeks of Dayschool. Our dog absolutely loved going and leapt out of the car every morning! It was so valuable to have so much training and socialization during our dog's first few months, especially as city dwellers without a backyard.
Now that our dog is older, he is enrolled in training classes in the evening, which have proved so valuable. Only complaint is he can't stay with Puppy Prep forever! We are so appreciative--puppy prep is such a great, helpful service, full of people who genuinely care.
Now that our dog is older, he is enrolled in training classes in the evening, which have proved so valuable. Only complaint is he can't stay with Puppy Prep forever! We are so appreciative--puppy prep is such a great, helpful service, full of people who genuinely care.
